The Student, Teacher, and the Literature Curriculum.

The literature curriculum needs to broaden its scope to make for a richer set of experiences for students. First, interdisciplinary learnings need adequate emphasis--this means that students should have ample opportunities to relate content from the social science, academic sciences, mathematics, the fine arts, and physical education. Second, the literature curriculum should assist students to extend their thinking. Third, students should experience a literature curriculum that develops interest in learning. Fourth, students need to experience a literature curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking. Fifth, purpose in reading and learning in the literature curriculum is vital. Sixth, self selection of books in literature provides situations involving students feeling ownership of the ongoing experience. Seventh, meaning theory is important to the reader of quality literature. Eighth, students should have a voice in how to be evaluated in the literature curriculum. Ninth, balance needs to be in evidence pertaining to homogeneous and heterogeneous grouping when studying literature in its diverse manifestations. Tenth, students should have ample time to reflect upon what has been learned. (NKA)